Game



J. K. ALLEN am; Filed Jan; 1. 1923 INVEN TOR.

Patented Apr. 6, 1926.

JAY K. ALLEN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR 0F ONE-HALF TO LAWRENCE F. SHERMAN, OF PELI-IAIVI MANOR, NEW YORK.

GAME.

Application filed January To all whom it may concern: 7

Be it known that I, JAY K. ALLEN, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the borough of lvlanhattan city, county, and State of New York, have invented an Improvement in Games, of which the following' is a specification.

My present invention relates to counters or similar devices for use in games and the like, and aims to provide a very novel and ingenious, but simple and attractive, device of the general character specified which shall be very cheap to manufacture and which shall, in a convenient and interesting manner, enable the determination, in accordance with the laws of chance and probability of some act to be done or left undone, some move to be made or not made, or some forfeit to be given or received.

In the accompanyingspecification I shall describe. and in the annexed drawing show, several illustrative embodiments of the pres ent invention. It is, however, to be clearly understood that my illustration isnot limited to the illustrative embodiments thereof ierein shown and described'for purposes of example merely.

Referring to the annexed drawing in which the aforesaid illustrative embodiments of'the present invention are shown:

Fig; 1 is a plan view of one side of one type of counter or game device comprising one of the aforesaid illustrative embodiments of the pretent invention; v

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the other side of the aforesaid illustrative embodiment of the present invention; l I

Fig. 8 is an edge view of the same, looking directly along thefline of the axis of rotation or ofthe spindlewhich may be incorporated in the aforesaid illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of one side of a counter'or game device comprising another illustrative embodiment of the present invention; and

5 is a plan view of one side of still another type of counter or game device comprising still another illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

Before describing in detail theafo'resaid illustrative embodiments of the present invention, it may be desirable briefly to point out certain features of construction and principles of operation common to all of 1, 1923. Serial no. 610,077.

the different embodiments of the invention herein shown and described for purposes of illustration only.

The counter or game device of the present invention preferably comprises, in combination, a plurality of members which are adapted for relative rotation with respect to each other, as about an axis passing substantially through the plane of one of said members. While these relatively rotatable invention, I have, in the illustrative embodi ments of my invention herein shown and described for purposes of example merely, shown counters or gan'ie devices en'ibodying three and live relatively rotatable members, respectively. The members, such as the flat concentric annuli, of which the counter or game device of the present invention may be comprised, are relatively rotatable about an axis or axes preferably passing substantially through the plane or planes of one'or more of such members. In most instances I prefer that the members of wnich the counter is comprised shall be relatively rotatable about a single or common axis, preferably passing substantially through the plane of the outermost of said members. One of the most important features of the present invention is that certain or all of the relatively rotatable members'of which the counter or game device may be comprised bear one or more representations either on one or .both sides of said last-mentioned members, for the cooperation of certain of the representations on a. plurality or all of said members in a predetermined relative position or positions of said last-mentioned members. These representations may comprise numbers, figures, or other insignia or representations of any kind or character whatsoever. or, and preferably, parts, fractions or portions of the same, and may include also directions indicating some act to t tl be done or left undone, some move to be made or not to be made, or some forfeit to be given or to be received, in accordance with the insignia or representations completed by the relative rotation of the members of which the counter or game device is made up. all in accordance with the laws of chance and probability.

For the more interesting, amusing and convenient operation of the counters or game devices made in accordance with the principles of the present invention, I prefer that each member shall bear on each side of the same portions or parts of certain figures or other insignia, to a number representing the number (two) raised to a power which is one less than the number of relatively rotatable members of which the counter or game device may be comprised. The total number of such figures or insignia on both sides of the counter or game device of the present invention will. therefore, be equal to the number 2 (two) raised to a. power equal to the total number of relatively rotatable members of which the counter or game device may be comprised. letting a represent the number of members of which the counter or game device may be comprised, the number of figures or other insignia which I prefer to have presenton the two sides of the counter or game device will be represented by the formula 2, for both sides of the counter or game device, and by the formula 2'. for ea -h side of the counter or game device. These formulae may readily he arrived at from a simple consideration of the formulae for the permutations or transmutations of a number of relatively changeable or mutatable members.

For example, where there are three relatively rotatable members in the counter or game device, I may use the figures 1, 5 and T on one side of the counter or device, and the figures 2, t, G and 8 on the other side of the device in positions corresponding to the positions occupied by the first four figures mentioned, each figure to occupy approximately an angle of about 72, leaving the remaining fifth or 72 of each side of the device to contain certain directions which may be used in connection with the operation of the device. Or else, I may use a combination of colors which, where the device consists of five relatively movable devices, may amount to sixteen different colors on each side of the device, or thirty-two different colors in all. This description will be sutticient to explain the general principles underlying the devices of the present invention.

Turning now to the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawing, the same comprises a pinrality of relatively rotatable members, here shown as three in number and respectively designated by the reference characters 10, 11 and 12. In the embodiment here illus trated, the members 10. 11 and 12 are substantially flat and the two outer members, namely the members 11 and 12. are of substantially annular form. The innermost member to is substantially circular. lt; is. however, to be clearly understood that the relatively rotatable nu-mbcrs of which the device may be comprised may assume varying forms, depcmlent upon the parti ular use to which the device is to be put or dcpendent upon the particular shape which any particular taste or desire may lead those lllQll'lbGl'S to assume. For instance. in lfig. 5 of the drawing, 1 have shown a device consisting of three substantially tlat members 10, 11, and 12', of which the outer two members. 11. and 12'. are of substantially rectangular but annular contigurat ion. while the innermost member ,1() is o t substant ially rectangular form.

The members 1 11 and 12 in the illustrative embodiment of the present invention now being described. and shown in Figs. 1. 2 and I, of the drawing. are relatively rotatable, preferably about a single ommon axis passing substantially through the plane of one of the memb rs in question, such as the outermost member 12. The axis aboat. which the members 10, 11 and 12 may have relative rotation has been indi ated bv reference character 13.

Certain or all, preferably all, of the membore 10, 11 and 12, bear, either on one or both sides of the same. preferably on both sides of the same, certain numbers, figures, or other insignia or representations, or partial or fractional portions of such insignia or representations. These numbers, figures or other insignia or representations. or parts or portions of the same, generally designated by reference character l l, are so arranged on the members 10, 11 and 12 that the parts or portions of any one complete number, figure or other insignia or representation, may mutually cooperate to complete such number, figure or other insignia 01 representation in a certain DlGtlQtGl'lTllIlGCl relation of the relatively rotatable members 10, 11 and 12, all in accordance with the laws of chance and probability.

For the more interesting, amusing and convenient operation of the counters or game devices made in accordance with the principles of the present invention, I prefer that only one number, figure or other insigma or representation shall be completed, on each side of the device, for any one particular permutation or arrangement of the relatively rotatable members 1(), 11 and 12. Accordingly, where, as in the illustrative embodiment of the invention now being de scribed, there are three relatively rotatable members 10, 11 and 12, I may use the figures 1, 3, 5 and 7, on one side of the device, and the figures 2, 4, 6 and S on the other side of the device in positions corresponding to the positions occupied by the first four of the figures mentioned. This will constitute eight figures in all, which represents a number equal to the number 2 (two) raised to the third power, which is a power corresponding to the number of relatively rotatable members 10, 11 and 12.

In the illustrative embodiment of the invention now being described, it will be noted that each of the figures 1, 2, 8, 4t, 5, 6, 7 and 8 has a portion of the same on each of the relatively rotatable members 10, 11 and 12. It will also be noted that but one of such figures is completed on each side of the device in any one permutation or arrangement of the relatively rotatable members 10, 11 and 12. It will also be noted that the remaining fifth or angle of about 72 of each side of the device contains on each of the members 10, 11 and 12, certain directions or the like, such as the words spin or pass on the two sides'of the member 10; even or double on the two sides of the member 11; and collect or pay on the two sides of the member 13. These directions indicate when a certain act is to be done or left undone, or when a certain move is to bemade or not to be made, or when soineforfeit is to be given or received, all in accordance with the rules or directions of the particular game in which the counter or device of the present invention is intended to be used. These directions have been generally indicated by the reference character 15.

'IVhile any suitable or desirable means may be employed for assembling the three relatively rotatable members 10, 11 and 12, so as to permit the same to have the desired relative rotation about the axis 13 or its equivalent, I prefer to use the means illus trated in the drawing and comprising a spindle 16 passing substantially through the plane of the three relatively rotatable mem bers 10, 11 and 12. The spindle 16 has a point 17 for facilitating the rotation of the device, While at its other end the spindle 16 is provided with the operating member 18 by means of which the device may be readily s un on a table or other smooth surface in tfie event that it is not desired to flip or toss the same in the air to effect the desired relative rotation of the members 10, 11 and 12.

It'isalso preferred that the outermost member 12 be fixedly attached, byan suitable means, to the spindle 16, so that when the device is spun by the operation of the spindle 16 by means of the operating mem ber 18 on'the point 17, the outermost memher 12 will rotate with the Sp ndle 16 and will thus'inevitably have a rotation relative to the members 10 and 11 which are preferably freely rotatable about the spindle 16.

The manner of using the aforesaid embodiment of the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description. By flipping or tossing the device in the air, or by rotating the same about the spindle 15 on the point 17 by means of the operating member 18, the members 10, 11 and 12 are given a relative rotation, which, in accordance with the laws of chance and probability, effects one permutation or arrangement of the members 10, 11 and 12, completing one number for each side of the de vice, such as the figures 1 and 8 in Figs. 1 and 2, respectively, of the drawing. At-the same time a certain combination of the di rections 15 will be shown on that side of the device which is uppermost andwhich will, therefore, govern a certain act to be done or left undone, a certain move to be made or not to be made, or some forfeit to be given or received. These directions will ofcourse vary with the particular nature or character of the game in which the device is used.

In Fig. 4 of the drawing I have shown a device consisting of five relatively rotatable members 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24. In this case each side of the device bears segments of annuli in particular colors, such as the colors pink, blue, green, yellow, orange, white, brown, black, or any other suitable colors, so arranged that one segment will be completed for each permutation or arrangement of the members 20, 21, 22, 28 and 2 on each side of the device. device there are five relatively rotatable members, each side of eachmember may contain 2' or 2*, that is, sixteen, segments, or a total number of thirty-two segments for both sides of each member.

In this arrangement it will be noted that the completion of an entire segment in one color on one side of all five members will determine the act to be done or left undone, the move to be made or not to be made, or the forfeit to be given or received, in accordance with the rules governing the particular game in which the device is used. It may here be added that the segments, in the embodiment of the device shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawing, may also be colored to facilitate the determination by the players of which particular figure or other insignia or representation has been completed in the particular permutation or arrangement which is effected by the rela tive rotation of the members 10, 1 1 and 12.

The use of the .device illustrated-in I of the drawing and the operation of the same will be substantially clear from the foregoing description, particularly that part of the same which deals with the use and operation of the device illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawing. It may here be noted that the devices of the present in- Since in this- It) t) vention. it so desired, may assume special forms. such as \vatch charms or the like, and may be made of expensive material, it so desired, such as gold or other precious metal. It may here also be stated that the device may be at rather thick or heavy material so as to assume a three-dimensional rather than a two-dimensional character. so as to give the same the appearance oi solids instead o'l' planes, without. however, deviating from the principles of the present. invention.

It is also to be uiulcrstood that the principles ot the present invention are applicable, either without change or with certain modifications which vrill readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art to which the present inven ion relates, to the construction ol chang able display signs or devices for street or window exhibition and the like, and also to the construction ot puzzles or other games ot skill or of combined skill and chance, as well as to the devices described in the earlier portions ot this specification.

\Vhat I claim is:

l. A. counter or similar device tor games and the like, comprising. in combination. a plurality o't members adapted for relative rotation about. an axis lying substantially Within the plane of one of said members. and aspindle passing through said axis and associated with said last-mentioned member. certain of said members bearing one or more representations tor cooperation of certain oi: the representations on a plurality of said members in a predetermined relative position or positions of said last-mentioned members.

2. A. counter or similar device for games and the like, comprising, in combination. a plurality of annular members adapted for relative rotation about an axis lying substantially within the plane of one of said members, and a spindle passing through said axis and associated with said last-mentioned member. certrin of said members bearing one or more representations for cooperation of certain of the representations on a plurality of said members in a n'edetermined relative position or positions of said lastmentioned members.

3. A. counter or similar device tor games and the like, comprising. in combination, a plurality of concentric n'icnibers adapted for relative rotation about an axis lying substantially Within the plane one of sait members, and a spindle passing through said axis and associated with said la tmentioned member, certain of said memb bearing one or more representations for cooperation ot certain of the representations on a. plurality of said members in a predetermined relative position or positions of: said last-mentioned members.

4. A counter or similar device for games and the like, comprising, in combination, a

plurality of concentric members adapted for relative rotation about; an axis lyinusubstantially Within the plane ol' the outer one of said members. and a spindle attached to said outer member along the axis about which the other members rot ate, certain of said members bearing one or more representations for cooperation of certain oi the representations on a plurality ot said members in a predeterminml relative position or positions of said last-mentioned members.

A counter or similar device for games and the like. comprising. in combination, a plurality of members adapted for relative rotation about an axislying substantially Within the plane of one o t said members, and a spindle passing through said axis and attached to said last-mentioned member, certain of said members bearing on at least one side of the same one or more representations for cooperation of certain of the representations on a plurality ol said members in a predetermined relative position or positions of" said last-mentioned members.

(3. A counter or similar device l'or games and the like. eon'iprising, in combination. a plurality ot annular members adapted for relative rotation about an axis lying substantially within the plane oi one of said members, and a spindle passing through said axis and attached to said last-mentioned member, certain of said members bea ring on at least one side of the same one or more representations tor cooperation of certain ot the representations on a. plurality of said members in a predetermined relative position or positions of said last-mentioned members.

7. A counter or similar device for games and the like, comprising. in comliination. a plurality of concentric members adapted tor relative rotation about an axis lying substantially Within the plane of one ot said members, and a spindle passing through said axis and attached to said last-mentioned member, certain o-t said members bearing on at least one side at the same one r more representations tor cooperation ot certain of the representations on a plurality of said men'ibers in a predetermined relative position or positions of said lastanentioned members.

8. A counter or similar device tor games and the like, con'ipris ng, in combination, a plurality of concentric members adapted for relative rotation about. an axis lying substantially Within the plane ot the outer one of said members, a. spindle fastened to said outer member through the axis about which the other members rotate, certain of said members bearing on at least one side of the same one or more representations for cooperation of certain of the representations on a lllt) plurality of said members in a predetermined relative position or positions of said last-mentioned members.

9. A counter or similar device for games and the like, comprising, in combination, a plurality of members adapted for relative rotation about an axis lying substantially within the plane of one of said members, and a spindle passing through said axis and fastened to said last-mentioned member, certain of said members bearing on both sides of the same one or more representations for cooperation of certain of the representations on a plurality of said members in a predetermined relative position or positions of said last-mentioned members.

10. A counter or similar device for games and the like, comprising, in combination, a plurality of annular members adapted for relative rotation about an axis lying substantially within the plane of one of said members, and a spindle passing through said axis and fastened to said last-mentioned member, certain of said members bearing on both sides of the same one or more representations for cooperation of certain of the representations on a plurality of said members in a predetermined relative position or positions of said last-mentioned members.

11. A counter or similar device for games and the like, comprising, in combination, a plurality of concentric members adapted for relative rotation about an axis lying substantially within the plane of one of said members, and a spindle passing through said axis and fastened to said last-mentioned member, certain of said members bearing on both sides of the same one or more representations for cooperation of certain of the representations on a plurality of said members .in a predetermined relative position or positions of said last-mentionedmembers.

, 12. A counter or similar device for games and the like, comprising, in combination, a plurality of concentric members adapted for relative rotation about anraxis lying substantially'within the plane of the outer one of said members, a spindle fastened to said outer member through said axis about which the other members will rotate, certain of said members bearing on both sides of the same one or more representations for cooperation of certain of the representations on a plurality of said members in a predetermined relative position or positions of said last-mentioned members.

13. A counter or similar device for games and the like, comprising, in combination, a plurality of members adapted for relative rotation about an axis lying substantially within the plane of one of said members, certain of said members bearing one or more representations for cooperation of certain of the representations on a plurality of said members in a predetermined relative position or positions of said last-mentioned members, and a spindle passing through said axis.

14. A counter or similar device for games and the like, comprising, in combination, a plurality of membersadapted for relative rotation about an axis lying substantially within the plane of one of said members, and a spindle passing through said axis, said spindle having a point at one of its ends and an operating member at its other end.

15. A counter or similar device for games and the like, comprising, in combination, a plurality of members adapted for relative rotation about an axis lying substantially within the plane of one of said members, certain of said members bearing one or more representations for cooperation of certain of the representations on a plurality of said members in a predetermined relative position or positions of said last-mentioned members, and a spindle passing through said axis, said spindle having a point at one of its ends and an operating member at its other end.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification this 4th day of December, 1922.

JAY K. ALLEN. 

